Key Takeaways

  • The Iowa Insurance Division regulates all insurance activities in Iowa under the Iowa Insurance Commissioner
  • The Insurance Commissioner is appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
  • Iowa does NOT require pre-license education, but exam preparation is strongly recommended
  • The Iowa Life exam has 92 questions (77 scored) and requires 70% on both national and state sections
  • Pearson VUE administers Iowa insurance exams at testing centers and via remote proctoring
Last updated: January 2026

Iowa Insurance Division

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The Iowa Insurance Division is the state agency responsible for regulating the insurance industry in Iowa. It operates under the Iowa Department of Commerce.

The Insurance Commissioner

The Insurance Commissioner is:

  • Appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
  • Serves as director of the Iowa Insurance Division
  • Responsible for enforcing Iowa insurance laws
  • Authorized to adopt rules, investigate violations, and discipline licensees

Commissioner Powers and Duties

PowerDescription
LicensingIssue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses
RulemakingAdopt rules interpreting the Insurance Code
EnforcementInvestigate and prosecute violations
Rate ReviewReview insurance rates for compliance
Consumer ProtectionHandle complaints and protect policyholders
Market ConductExamine insurer business practices

Iowa Insurance Code

Iowa insurance law is found in the Iowa Code, Title XIII (Commerce), Subtitle 1 (Insurance):

  • Chapter 505 - Division of Insurance
  • Chapter 507B - Insurance Trade Practices
  • Chapter 508 - Life Insurance Companies
  • Chapter 509 - Health Insurance
  • Chapter 522B - Insurance Producers

Exam Tip: Remember that the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is APPOINTED by the Governor, not elected. Iowa is also one of the few states that does NOT require pre-license education.

Iowa Insurance Division Organization

The Division operates through several bureaus:

  • Producer Licensing Bureau - Handles agent/broker licensing
  • Life & Health Bureau - Regulates life and health insurance
  • Market Regulation - Examines insurer practices
  • Consumer Assistance - Handles consumer complaints
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Iowa Insurance Division Structure
Test Your Knowledge

How is the Iowa Insurance Commissioner selected?

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